On a daily basis, residents not only in FFO Ålesund and the surrounding local authority’s area of responsibility, but in our small country in general, experience exclusion due to physical barriers. Are you ready to give notice?
Something many of us benefit from every day is the notice board at the Moa traffic station. It is large, clear and shows the timetables for most of us – with good eyes and functioning color vision.
All the choices that were made; the size, shape and color choices for numbers, letters and background. Was it intended, that these decisions have so much to say for someone with a visual impairment?
They may not have been in the mind of the person ordering. It really should have been when the design of the information board was decided. If only the state, county and municipalities had someone they could include in the planning of the design of our common spaces, which are public areas.
Large letters with a background in strong contrast are essential for anyone who struggles with vision. In addition, one has to go up and down curbs, which is not as easy with a wheelchair everywhere. One does not have to go far to find examples of a lack of universal design.
Despite the fact that over a sixth of the population has disabilities or chronic diseases, society continues to ignore their needs.
We are all different, but our society doesn’t take that into account. The Joint Organization for the Disabled (FFO) does not believe this is due to malicious intent, but to old habits that need to be changed. Therefore, we will now mark errors and obstacles in society with the sticker: “404 – Universal design not found”.
Universal design is about arranging surroundings, products and services so that everyone can use them in an equal way. It can be anything from step-free access to the bus to subtitling of films. We need your help to challenge old habits and demand a more accessible world for everyone, regardless of our differences.
When we plan for universal design, break down barriers and include everyone, it doesn’t just serve people with disabilities, it serves us all.
Let’s build a world together where everyone can participate on equal terms. It’s time to protest, and more importantly, it’s time to act.
